About Gum Disease

Why Gum Disease Happens

All parts of your body can become infected, and that includes the soft tissues in your mouth. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissues caused by a build-up of aggressive bacteria.

The bacteria breed in between the teeth and gums, in the periodontal pockets. If left untouched, the bacteria will continue to destroy the surrounding connective tissues and gums, leading to deepening of the pocket.

From that point, bacteria and tartar will build up on the surface of the tooth and its root. Finally, the bacteria will slowly erode the jawbone, leading to eventual tooth loss.

Ironically, many people ignore the most common signs of gum disease, such as:

Your mouth plays a part of your entire body system, which means gum disease that goes untreated can have whole-body effects.

Research has shown links between gum disease and systemic issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Why risk your health when you can stand up to your gum disease by partnering with a knowledgeable, credentialed, compassionate periodontist?

Osseous surgery can play an intervention role in halting the continuation of gum disease. During osseous surgery at our Las Vegas facility, Dr. Curry Leavitt will administer a local anesthetic, make an incision in the gums and gently pull the gums from the teeth. This exposes the tooth root so it can be thoroughly cleaned. The process also exposes the bone holding the tooth, which will be smoothed to promote healing.

Using handheld equipment, Dr. Leavitt will smooth the bone, making it less pocketed. With fewer places to hide, bacteria cannot grow at the same rapid rate. In addition to the smoothing of the bone, our periodontist may also perform a gingivectomy using lasers. This type of laser gum surgery removes diseased soft tissues, leaving behind healthy tissues that are encouraged to reattach to the teeth.

Yet many of those individuals have never been to a periodontist for periodontal maintenance. Instead, they only commit to their regular six-month dental appointments. That is simply not enough to contain and control periodontal disease.

Gum disease requires consistent periodontal maintenance every four to six months over and above your regular dental exams. At your periodontal maintenance appointments, your hygienist will conduct deep dental cleaning treatments. These treatments are comfortable and efficient, as well as effective. The goal of periodontal maintenance is to stop the spread of the bacteria that cause gum disease.